Semicolon question - Writers Forum

jmsx521 · 01-02-2007, 08:53 PM

Gertrude Stein wrote:

"It takes a lot of time to be a genius, you have to sit around so much doing nothing."

Is it just as appropriate to use comma, after the word genius, rather than semicolon? The semicolon splits the two sentences nicely... with the comma instead, they sound to me to be two dependent sentences that should've been separated.

Thanks.

aspiring · 01-03-2007, 02:59 AM

The use of the comma vs the semicolon has been discussed for many years - and there are still sentences that technically should use a semicolon (to separate two complete sentences, as your example) which use a comma to aid flow. Personally, I think your example should use a semicolon. I teach secondary (high) school English. However, I have read so many arguments about the semicolon on here that your post will inevitably attract cries of hate for the poor semicolon.

'It takes a lot of time to be a genius' is a complete sentence.
'You have to sit around so much doing nothing' is also a complete sentence. Technically they cannot be 'stuck together' with a comma. They could be divided by a full stop (period). The two sentences are linked in theme, however, so I would be inclined to use a semicolon. Personal preference.

RaphaelFaunus · 01-03-2007, 03:09 AM

I have declared new rule: If Microsoft Word says so, it's true.
This requires a semicolon.

aspiring · 01-03-2007, 03:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RaphaelFaunus

I have declared new rule: If Microsoft Word says so, it's true.
This requires a semicolon.

Microsoft Word is not infallible

Mike C · 01-03-2007, 04:34 AM

I'd say that if Gertrude Stein wanted a semi-colon there, she'd have used one.

RaphaelFaunus · 01-03-2007, 04:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aspiring

Microsoft Word is not infallible

SILENCE!
Do you dare question WORD?!
Thy shalleth be sacrificed!

And yeah, a Semicolon belongs there. My logic is also infallible.
So yes, don't question it, a semicolon belongs there.

Mike C · 01-03-2007, 04:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RaphaelFaunus

So yes, don't question it, a semicolon belongs there.

I question it. It's not about what's technically correct (which is arguable) but about the rhythm and feel of the sentence, which has as much to do with the implied meaning as body language does in conversation.

A semi colon could be used, but it would change the emphasis of what Stein was saying and therefore would make it read differently to how Stein intended.

And if you rely on Microsoft to tell you how to punctuate, I suggest you stick to colouring books.

Omnisu · 01-03-2007, 04:49 AM

The total number of semicolons in your manuscript should be zero. If you meant a full stop, use a full stop!

RaphaelFaunus · 01-03-2007, 04:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike C

I question it.

INSANITY! BURN THE SINNER!

...Dude, I'm joking. It depends, but I usually rely on Microsoft Word when it comes to Semicolons. It works for me, and it's not going to kill anyone. Yet.

Mike C · 01-03-2007, 04:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RaphaelFaunus

but I usually rely on Microsoft Word when it comes to Semicolons.

Please... don't. If you don't understand them, don't use them. If you must use them, make sure you understand them fully and don't rely on flawed software to do it for you.

RaphaelFaunus · 01-03-2007, 05:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike C

Please... don't. If you don't understand them, don't use them. If you must use them, make sure you understand them fully and don't rely on flawed software to do it for you.

I had no idea anyone seriously hated Microsoft Word. I'm not illiterate, I can read enough to correct Word when it makes it's ridiculously common mistakes. It's just a semicolon, man. It usually makes sense when it replaces my commas, and I wrote the thing. If semicolon mistakes are all I make, then I consider that damn good.

MSTK · 01-03-2007, 05:14 AM

There is no doubt that the by-the-books rule of grammar dictate that a semicolon be placed there.

However, you have some creative licenses while writing. Especially Stein. He can do whatever the hell he wants, because, well, he's Gertrude Stein.

Mike C · 01-03-2007, 06:15 AM

I don't hate word, I use it every day. But I know the limitations of software versus imagination and ability. I prefer to use the latter.

Quote:

Originally Posted by MSTK

There is no doubt that the by-the-books rule of grammar dictate that a semicolon be placed there.

There is doubt. Many believe that the sc has no place in fiction whatsoever. Many believe otherwise.

And Gertrude Stein was a woman, not a man.

faithless · 01-04-2007, 10:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Omnisu

The total number of semicolons in your manuscript should be zero. If you meant a full stop, use a full stop!

I always felt a semicolon was more of a stop than a comma, but less of a stop than a period. It shows a more intimate relationship between two sentences than a period does. For this reason, I wouldn't say a semicolon is useless.

MSTK · 01-04-2007, 10:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike C

I don't hate word, I use it every day. But I know the limitations of software versus imagination and ability. I prefer to use the latter.

There is doubt. Many believe that the sc has no place in fiction whatsoever. Many believe otherwise.

And Gertrude Stein was a woman, not a man.

Heh, sorry. Wasn't paying attention to the name. I feel kind of stupid now.